Rotor and stator assembly configured as an aspirating face seal

A rotor and stator assembly comprising:

• a) a rotor having a generally longitudinally extending axis, a first air bearing surface, a first air dam surface, and a protuberance, wherein said first air bearing surface is generally annular, generally perpendicular to said axis, and generally planar, wherein said first air dam surface is generally annular, generally perpendicular to said axis, and generally planar, and wherein said protuberance is disposed radially between, and extends axially above, said first air bearing surface and said first air dam surface;
• and
• b) a stator having a second air bearing surface and a second air dam surface, wherein said second air bearing surface is generally annular, generally perpendicular to said axis, generally planar, and spaced apart from and proximate said first air bearing surface, wherein said second air dam surface is generally annular, generally perpendicular to said axis, generally planar, and spaced apart from and proximate said first air dam surface, wherein said first and second air bearing surfaces generally oppose each other and define an air bearing of an aspirating face seal, wherein said first and second air dam surfaces generally oppose each other and define an air dam of said aspirating face seal, and wherein said protuberance diverts but does not block flow from said air bearing and said air dam.